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No wasted words.

Just… command.

And somehow that was worse.

Everyone moved the moment he spoke. No arguments. They simply listened and obeyed. The realization hit me hard. It wasn’t fear. They trusted him.

The same way I did.

The same way I probably shouldn’t. My gaze ran slowly over his body and my own responded. Heat moved through me. I knew how those arms felt around me. Knew the way his hands could be impossibly gentle. Knew how easily he could destroy me. And how carefully he chose not to.

A shudder coursed through me.

I jerked my gaze away.

Took a slow, deep breath.

Movement drew my attention back once more.

He turned his head. Just slightly. But it was enough.

He was aware of me.

Tracking me.

My breath caught.

“There’s three more houses with damage on this street alone.” One of the contractors started. “There’ll be delays.”

“There will be no delay on the house.” Alaric spoke. “That needs to be secured. No matter what.”

“I can’t fast track this, Mr. Voss.” He shook his head. “The delay is unavoidable.”

“Then solve it.”

My pulse pounded with the cold, cutting tone.

There was no getting around him.

“I’ll make it work.” The contractor gave in.

One nod and they disbanded. Striding away. Mrs. Reid stepped around the corner, carrying a tray. Alaric turned around, heading straight toward me. But his gaze didn’t find me. Instead he fixed his focus straight ahead.

“Nyssa,” he said carefully.

My pulse pounded. “Alaric.”

His name was a breath.

And Mrs. Reid kept walking, oblivious to the storm now raging inside me.

I inhaled as he passed. Fresh earth. Rain. The faint scent of coffee. And something else. Something that felt like power.

“Dear God,” I murmured.

I caught the tight curl of his mouth as he passed and headed to the study.

“Can I get you some breakfast, dear?”